The Hillsdale College baseball team rallied from an 8-0 deficit in the third inning, but couldn't come all the way back in a 14-10 loss to host Lee to open the season on Friday night.

Trailing 14-4 entering the top of the ninth, the Chargers almost came all the way back, plating six runs to make a squad receiving votes in the NCBWA preseason poll sweat. With one out, Hillsdale strung together four straight singles, including RBI base knocks from Rocco Tenuta, Zak Kent, and Augie Hutchison, to close the gap.

After drawing a bases-loaded hit by pitch and a bases-loaded walk, Hillsdale trailed just 14-9 with a potential tying run on deck. Kaden Nowak scored one more run on a sacrifice fly before Lee got the final strikeout it needed to end the rally and secure the victory.

Ultimately, Hillsdale couldn't overcome two rough innings, a seven-run third inning for Lee and a five run sixth inning. The Chargers outhit Lee 13-10 but walked 14 batters to Lee's five walks conceded, propelling those explosive innings for the Flames.

Aguie Hutchison had a huge game to lead the Chargers at the plate, going 3 for 5 with a triple, a solo home run and four RBIs. Rocco Tenuta went 3 for 4 as well for Hillsdale, Will Millard was 2 for with a double and Zak Kent chipped in two hits.

Starter Daniel Higdon took the loss for Hillsdale, while Patrick MacLean struck out four batters in one and two-thirds innings, and Hayden Hoffpauir struck out three in one and two-thirds innings as well. Andrew George, Winston Delp and Drew Erdei all combined to pitch two and a third innings with just one run conceded as well for the Chargers late, giving them a chance to rally.

Hillsdale (0-1) faces Lee again in a doubleheader tomorrow, starting at 1 p.m. The Chargers will be looking to build off their strong final inning and pull an upset or two of the Flames.

Photo by Steve George